Notes: This was a very complicated chapter to write and I hope it flows pretty well. I spent some time reading about military regulations and court martial proceedings. While I stretched the truth a bit for the literary benefits, I tried to stay true to established precedents.

The first part of this chapter is rated M. After the first POV change, it's pretty "tame." Enjoy!!

———Begin———

Jack hoped the cold water in the shower would calm his raging libido. After dreaming of Sam all night, he'd woken up spooning his very sexy, very asleep bonded mate. As her backside pressed against his groin, he groaned as he ordered himself to let her sleep.

Sam softly whimpered in her sleep, drawing his attention. Thinking she was having a nightmare, he'd let his mind touch hers wanting to soothe her. Instead, her very vivid, very erotic dream slammed into his head. Before he could close the connection between them, he'd watched his dream-self in ecstasy as Sam slipped him between her lips.

His body on fire, Jack had jumped out of bed and threw himself into the freezing shower; it wasn't doing much good. He was so focused on convincing himself to stay away from the beautiful women in his bed that he didn't hear the shower door open and close.

"That's a bit cold, don't you think," her voice made him jump. He stood in stunned silence as she reached behind him to turn on the hot water. "That's better," she purred as steam began to rise around them.

"Sam," his voice strained, "I don't think it's a good idea—" She stopped his words with a kiss.

"I was dreaming," she told him pulling back, "it was a very good dream," her hand drifted down his chest to his hard stomach.

Jack couldn't help the sound escaping his throat as her hand trailed lower.

"I think you know what it was about," her hand finally brushed against him. "But you left just as we got to the good part."

He was helpless to stop her as she pushed him against the cold tile and sank to her knees. "Let me know if I do something you don't like," she said before slipping him into her mouth.

Jack wanted to tell her that he'd love whatever she did to him, but his ability to speak vanished at the feel of her hot tongue.

Locking his knees, he fought the urge to thrust into her mouth, instead settling for sinking one hand into her hair.

"Sam," he gritted out when he knew his release was close, and tried to pull her up. She refused to stop; however, as she continued and began humming around him.

Tell me when, he heard her whisper.

"Now," he growled a few seconds later. She pulled back but kept her hand moving on him as he exploded onto her breasts; the water quickly washing away any sign of his release.

Lifting her to her feet, he seized her mouth. Spinning around he pinned her to the wall and kissed his way down her body.

"You don't have to," she breathed.

"Oh I absolutely want to," he said, pausing to dip his tongue in her naval, earning himself a soft feminine whimper.

Lifting one of her legs, he draped it over his shoulder, opening her core to him. He wasted no time playing out this part of his favorite shower fantasy. As he drove her crazy with his tongue and lips, her fingers curled into his hair and pressed him closer.

It didn't take him long to send her over the edge. His hands gripped her hips, holding her up as he wrung every drop of pleasure from her. Carefully lifting her leg off his shoulder, he stood, his knees only slightly protesting.

Pulling her back into his arms, he gave her a hard kiss before nibbling the sensitive spot on her neck.

"That was one hell of a good morning," he said giving her one more quick kiss before turning the water off and reaching for two large towels. Wrapping her in one, he quickly dried off and hung the other low on his hips.

"It's 9:30 and we need to be back on the base by 11:00," Sam said looking through the bathroom drawers. "Hair dryer?"

"Why would I need one?" He asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"Brush?"

"Comb?" He handed her a black plastic one.

"Toothbrush?" She said laughing.

"Ah, that I can do," he opened a cabinet and pulled out a brand new one triumphantly.

"I've got the basics stashed in my locker on the base, but I didn't even think about bringing them last night," she sighed.

"If the ol' doctor lets us go again tonight, why don't we run to your house and get the first part of your things," Jack offered as he squeezed the toothpaste tube. When Sam didn't immediately answer, he looked up to find her staring at him. "Sam?" he asked around the toothbrush in his mouth.

"Are you asking me to move in with you?" She asked, the uncertainty in her voice had him turning to look at her.

"I assumed," he rinsed his mouth and spit, wondering if he'd misread her emotions about their living situation. "We are technically married, but if you don't want to—"

"Of course I want to move in with you," she said, "but do you think it's a good idea right now? There's bound to be an investigation into our relationship."

"I don't think I can bury my feelings for you again," he said more harshly than he intended. "That ship has sailed."

"I feel the same way, but should we openly flaunt what's happened between us? It's one thing to spend one night away from the base; it's quite another to play house while we are under a microscope," she argued. "It's not you who would get reassigned to another team or put on desk duty in a lab."

Jack hated to admit it, but her reasoning did make sense. He'd spent years building a mental dam to block his feelings, but their bond hadn't just cracked the dam, it demolished it.

"You're right," Jack sighed. "So how do you want to handle this?"

"For now, we be careful," she told him, "keep things above the board. We try to get the bonding ceremony recognized and approved, but until then we stay on base and keep things professional at work and in public."

Jack rested his forehead against hers as his hands trailed up and down her bare arms, "so this might be the last time I get to kiss you for a while." The thought of not being able to touch her, taste her, physically hurt, but he knew they needed to do this right.

"I'm afraid so," her voice was sad.

"Then we better not waste any more time," he said gruffly, before meeting her halfway for a definitely-not-work-appropriate kiss.

———POV———

Sam impatiently sat in a hard-backed chair as Janet finished attaching electrodes to her head and torso. Jack was seated across from her already hooked up to the same type of equipment. Her and Jack's decision to hit the breaks on moving in together was heart wrenching, but necessary. While she'd resign her commission in a second to be with him, it wasn't that simple. They had to be in this for the long game and her resigning now would look like an admission of guilt. Kinsey would love that.

No, they loved each other and that would never change; they'd waited the last six years to be together, they could make it another couple of months.

"Alright," Janet said After connecting the last electrode, "I'm going to monitor your vital signs and brainwaves as we work through the tests. We'll start with something simple." She handed Jack a stack of cards. "There is something on each card; I want you to try and project what it is to Sam."

"Easy peasy," Jack said and raised the first card.

Sam replied in less than a second, "red square."

Jack lifted the next card and Sam said, "purple circle."

As he lifted the third card Sam said, "black triangle, isosceles."

"I didn't know you knew the different types of triangles, sir," Janet told him.

"I don't," he sighed.

"Then how—"

"I can see through the Colonel's eyes when I need to," Sam answered, smiling at the doctor's surprised expression.

"Alright, lets try sounds," Janet placed a pair of headphones on Sam's head.

"Really, the Beach Boys?" Jack sighed dramatically, drawing a chuckle from Sam. Janet switched the track to an astrophysics lecture. Closing her eyes, Sam translated the technobabble into something Jack would understand.

"Blackholes and time dilation fields as they pertain to wormhole physics," Jack said slowly. "Did I get that right?"

"Yes, sir," Sam nodded smiling. "That's the gist of it."

"I see we need to move into some more advanced tests," Janet said with a touch of awe.

"Whatcha have in mind, doc?" Jack asked. Sam snickered at his enthusiasm. He enjoyed showing off.

"I want to see if you can both relay and receive information to the other at the same time," she said gathering writing pads and more flash cards. She placed algebraic flash cards in from of Sam and calculus cards in front of Jack, also handing each a writing tablet and pen. "While you each let the other see the card through your link, write the answers on the paper.

Concentrating, Sam saw a derivative problem on Jack's card and quickly solved it, holding it up for Janet to see. Jack was doing the same thing with a factorial problem.

"Again," Janet ordered. When they both completed the next set of problems with correct answers, she made them do it three more times before declaring she was officially impressed.

The tests continued for several more hours as Janet gave them supposedly harder and harder tasks to do. Sam was tired but enjoyed working with Jack to solve the problems. She was learning how to access some rudimentary information in his mind without him specifically giving it to her. In return, he'd been able to obtain enough information to alter a computer program's code correctly. They were both shocked; however, when Janet had asked them to try and shield certain information from each other and they'd both been able to do it. Sam had finished that exercise complaining of a headache, while Jack had a bad case of tinnitus. It appeared that the only adverse effects from their bond manifested when they actively tried to keep secrets from each other.

It was late in the evening when General Hammond came into the infirmary. "Doctor, I need to speak to Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter, are your tests done?"

"Not even close, sir, but it's nothing that can't wait until later. So far, I've found no adverse effects from their bond. In fact, I'm quite impressed. There could even be military applications for it. The last thing I want to test before submitting my final report is how they handle being separated," Janet told him. "Otherwise, the remaining tests I want to do are for my information only."

"Would you have any reservations signing off on releasing them back into the field?" Hammond asked drawing everyone's sharp attention. Going back into the field wasn't something they'd expected anytime soon.

"Medically, they seem fit for duty. Major Carter still has substantial bruising, but she's returned to active duty in worse shape than this," Janet admitted. "I am a little concerned about their mental health given everything that's happened, but that's a psychologist's call not mine."

"Sir?" Jack asked. "I was under the impression Carter and I were on permanent stand-down until any investigations were completed."

Instead of shining light onto the situation, the General simply said, "both of you follow me."

Do you have any idea what this is about? Sam asked Jack.

No clue, he told her as the walked into the General'a office and he motioned for them to sit down.

"I'm going to be blunt," General Hammond told them. "Senator Kinsey has gotten wind of what transpired between you two."

Jack cursed under his breath as Sam felt like sinking into her chair. It suddenly occurred to her that this was the first time she'd had more than s brief conversation with General Hammond since coming back through the Stargate. She knew Jack had told him what transpired, but she thought she should at least acknowledge their situation.

"Sir—" she began, but he held up his hand.

"Colonel O'Neill and your father filled me in on everything that happened off-world. For the record, I don't blame you or Colonel O'Neill for your actions; I'm just happy you are home safe."

"Thank you Sir," Sam said speechless.

"That being said, Senator Kinsey has taken it upon himself to use the events on the planet to convince key people at the Department of Defense and the Senate Intelligence committee to launch a court martial against both of you," Hammond looked apologetic. "Kinsey has involved powerful people who aren't privy to what we do at the SGC. While the Sec Def and the President are adamantly opposed to his actions, they cannot outright intervene without revealing the nature of our work to people who would use it for extortion."

Sam's brain struggled to pay attention after she heard the word court martial. She thought there'd at least be an investigation first!

"I'm assuming it's not possible to read a select group of people into what we do, at least partially, to make this go away," Jack stated. While he voice sounded calm, Sam could feel the anger rolling out of him.

"Unfortunately, no," Hammond sighed, "not without risking the entire program be revealed to the world. Kinsey's been laying the groundwork for something like this for years; he's been waiting for the right situation."

"I'll resign," Jack said suddenly.

"No!" Sam's reaction instant. The SGC and the world needed him. Needed them.

"While I respect the sentiment," Hammond told him, "it won't help in this case. Kinsey ensured the charges are criminal. Even if you resign, you'll still face them, but without any protection from within the chain-of-command."

"How?" Jack asked. "The typical punishment for fraternization is discharge and forfeiture of pay."

"Kinsey is seeking charges of rape. He's accusing you both of sexually assaulting the other," Hammond couldn't quite meet their eyes.

"Son of a bitch!" Jack surged to his feet and paced the small space between the chairs and the door.

"How would it even be physically or criminally possible for both of us to commit rape against the other?" Sam wanted to know.

"All I know is that he's found a way for Colonel O'Neill to be charged with sexual assault for ordering a subordinate to have sex with him, and you are for using artificial means to coerce your CO into non-consensual relations," Hammond explained.

"After all we've done," Sam whispered, "after giving everything—" She wanted nothing more than to run and hide; maybe find a nice little tropical planet somewhere with Jack; however, she knew they couldn't run.

"We are fighting this," she said vehemently.

"Damned right," Jack agreed.

"Of course we are, Major," Hammond told her. "Which is why I asked Dr. Frazier if you both were cleared for duty."

At their silence he continued. "The President has backdated a directive that identifies Major Carter as relieved of duty during the days she was missing in action, which is when your off-world wedding ceremony took place," Hammond nodded to Jack. "Thanks to Dr. Jackson, precedent has been set that off-world marriages are legal and binding on Earth. Based upon that directive and precedent, along with Jack's admission that you both wed willingly, your marriage is valid and took place just within the rules and regulations regarding fraternization. I'm assuming you do not wish to dispute Colonel O'Neill's assertion that you married him willingly?"

"Correct, sir," she said woodenly, not sure where the General was headed with this.

"The Sec Def cannot stop the court martial proceedings Kinsey has put into motion, but he can deem you both essential for world security, which he is doing," Hammond check his watch, "as we speak. That keeps you out of the brig and puts the decision about how to handle your SGC assignments in the hands of your CO." He gave them a small smile before continuing. "I'm ordering you both to return to active duty on SG-1 immediately."

Sam's head was spinning as she listened to General Hammond. They were both facing court martial, were legally married, and still members of SG-1.

"That's a lot to take in, sir," Jack said, mirroring her own feelings.

"I know it is, son," Hammond gave them a sympathetic look. "I've been in contact with our JAG representative. Due to the highly classified nature of our operation, traditional court martial proceedings are impossible. I've arranged for you to meet with your military appointed attorneys this evening to discuss the case. They'll fill you in on what happens next. I expect you both in the briefing room At 0600 hours tomorrow morning. SG-1's next mission begins st 0900 hours tomorrow."

"What about Daniel, sir," Sam asked. "Janet told us he was currently off-world."

"Dr. Jackson is on a special assignment with SG-2 and will join you as soon as possible," Hammond answered.

"How many?" Jack asked.

"How many what?" Hammond cocked his head trying to understand the question.

"Favors, sir. How many did you have to call in to make this happen?" Jack clarified.

"As many as was necessary," was the only answer he gave. "You must realize that all I've done is give you a path to remain at the SGC and on SG-1. I'm afraid there's still a real chance Kinsey could succeed with his court martial."

"True, sir," Sam told him, "but I can't thank you enough for everything you've done." He nodded, accepting her gratitude.

"After you walk out of this office, I am going to have to maintain the appearance of an impartial CO. My only concern will be protecting the integrity of the SGC. Therefore, all of your communications, except those of a legal nature, will be monitored and anything you say can be used against you. You'll need to prove to me that you can handle missions as husband and wife. Don't screw it up and make me regret keeping you on the same team," Hammond warned.

"Understood, sir," they both responded at the same time.

"The meeting with your JAG representatives is in 10 minutes. You'll be using the secure conference room on level 18. As you know, there are no cameras or microphones within that room." The General stood up and crossed to his door. He gave them a quick nod before opening it and assuming a look of immense displeasure. "Dismissed!"

———POV———

General Hammond watched his two favorite officers walk out of his office and down the hall as a sense of trepidation filled him. For now, he'd done everything he could within the confines of military protocols. He might have stretched the rules a bit, but nothing could be construed as inappropriate or unlawful.

The JAG prosecutor had called early this morning and offered him immunity if he'd testify at the court martial. He'd initially told the man where to shove his immunity and that he stood by his order for Colonel O'Neill to rescue Major Carter using any means necessary.

After listening to what the prosecutor proposed; however, he reconsidered. If he never faced charges, then that put him at a better advantage to set his plan in motion, while shielding the SGC.

He knew the President and the Sec Def would not be happy once they found out what Dr. Jackson was doing, especially after they both risked angering Kinsey by making the Colonel and Major's marriage legal and binding.

Closing his office door with a deep sigh, he sat back down at his desk. He wished he could inform Sam and Jack about his and Daniel's plan, but keeping them in the dark was for the best. Picking up his phone, he pressed the button for the control room.

"Walter, dial the alpha site," he ordered. "Patch all communications through to my office using the secure channel."

At the Chief Master-Sergeant's affirmative, he waited for the chevrons to engage and the wormhole to form.

"General Hammond?" Came Daniel's voice.

"Dr. Jackson," he acknowledged in greeting. "How's the weather over there?"

"Sunny skies today, but a chance of rain tomorrow," Daniel answered. "I'm predicting it to clear up by the end of the week."

"Good to hear," Hammond smiled at the coded message letting him know things were going relatively well. "I'm sending you some important technology that we have agreed to share with two of our allies. They are to be hand delivered to the Tok'ra high council and our contacts within the Jaffa rebellion," Hammond told him. "Once that is complete, you are to proceed to the identified planet and retrieve what was discussed."

"Understood, sir. Daniel out."